Government consults on e-cig sales ban for under 18s

The Department of Health (DoH) is consulting on plans to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) and other nicotine containing devices to under 18s.

The proposed regulations would also make it an offence for an adult to buy an e-cig on behalf of a minor.

The consultation will run for six weeks until 28 January 2015.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) welcomed the launch. Chief executive James Lowman said: “E-cigs are a growing product category in convenience stores, providing a viable alternative to smoking for thousands of people.

“The vast majority of our members already have a voluntary age restriction on these products in place, but this consultation will provide important clarity for all responsible retailers who sell these products and ensure that they have the support of legislation.”